“I need to answer the final questions as to whether this path would be the right choice for me at this stage, but I am definitely considering it,” she added.
According to the party, Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė’s candidacy has been proposed 66 times, party leader Gabrielias Landsbergis – 64 times, MP Lauryns Kasčiūnas – 54 times, Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anušauskas – 42 times, MP Paulius Saudargo – 41 times.
The other candidates have not yet clearly expressed their position on participating in the party’s primary elections, which will be held in mid-November.
“I don’t know if the presidium will let me go, but if the presidium does, I will tell everyone at the same time during the time that the presidium tells,” Prime Minister I. Šimonytė told reporters in the Seimas on Tuesday.
G. Landsbergis said on Tuesday that he has not yet received an appeal from the party secretariat asking to confirm whether he will participate. “I still have some time to think. But as time goes on, I will think more and more intensively”, said G. Landsbergis.
L. Kasčiūnas said that he is considering the possibility of participating in the primary elections, and that he will announce his decision by Wednesday next week. “I would greatly appreciate the department’s decision to put forward my candidacy, it is a reason to seriously consider it, I am considering it,” L. Kasciūnas told BNS.
A. Anušauskas told BNS that he would make a decision when the official invitation to decide on participation, according to him, “in the so-called primemariuose“.
Mr. Saudargas noted to BNS that his candidacy has been put forward several times in the elections to the EP – Section 45, and he will evaluate this circumstance as well.
“The support of fellow party members obliges them to participate in one or another election this time. I just don’t think it would be appropriate to participate in both elections at once, so I will decide in the near future,” P. Saudargas told BNS.
Presidential elections in Lithuania will be held in the spring of 2024. According to public opinion polls, the current president Gitanas Nausėda is the clearest favorite among them, lawyer Ignas Vėgėlė and I.Šimonytė are also in the top three.
G. Nausėda and I. Vēgėlė promise to announce their decisions on participation in the elections later this year.
The Union of Lithuanian Peasants and Greens is nominating the former Minister of Health Protection, Member of the Seimas, Aurelijas Verygas, the Mayor of Kazlų Rūda, Mantas Varaška, has announced his candidacy, and he is supported by the Party of Regions of Lithuania.
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Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Dalia Stankeviciute
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Stankeviciute. There’s a lot happening in the lead-up to the party’s primary elections. Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė and several other key figures seem to be weighing their options. What’s your take on this situation?
Dr. Stankeviciute: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the space is quite dynamic right now. It looks like the candidates are in a critical decision-making phase. Prime Minister Šimonytė’s comment about needing to finalize her thoughts really underscores the uncertainty that many of them are feeling at this stage.
Editor: Exactly, and it seems like there’s a bit of hesitation among the party’s leading figures, particularly G. Landsbergis, who mentioned he still has time to think. Do you think this indecision could impact the party’s overall strategy?
Dr. Stankeviciute: Absolutely, it can have significant implications. When high-profile candidates like G. Landsbergis and Prime Minister Šimonytė take their time to consider their participation, it sends a message about their confidence in the political climate. If they decide to withdraw, it could create a vacuum that may either challenge the party’s unity or open the door for fresh faces.
Editor: Laurynas Kasčiūnas appears to be leaning toward a candidacy but hasn’t made a final decision yet either. What does this signify for the party dynamics?
Dr. Stankeviciute: Kasčiūnas’s careful deliberation indicates that he’s weighing the party’s support and the broader political context. His appreciation for the department’s support shows that candidates are acknowledging the importance of collective backing. This could unify or fracture the party, depending on how the final decisions play out.
Editor: Speaking of support, Minister Anušauskas mentioned he would decide when he receives an official invitation. How does this reflect the current state of party politics?
Dr. Stankeviciute: It highlights a more structured approach within the party. The notion of having to wait for an official invite shows that there are protocols and hierarchies at play. This could mean decisions will ultimately be strategic rather than spontaneous, which could work to stabilize the party, provided everyone agrees on the course of action.
Editor: In light of all this, as an analyst, what do you think is at stake for these candidates and the party as a whole?
Dr. Stankeviciute: For the candidates, this is about their political futures and legacy—choosing to run or not can redefine their careers. For the party, it’s about maintaining its relevance and combatting internal division while ensuring they present a strong front for the upcoming elections. The outcome of these primaries will be pivotal for their governance moving forward.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Stankeviciute, for your insightful analysis. We’ll be keeping a close eye on how this all unfolds as we approach the primaries in mid-November.
Dr. Stankeviciute: Thank you for having me. It will certainly be an interesting few weeks ahead!
As waiting for an official invitation to participate. How important is this formal process in the context of political candidacy within Lithuania’s parties?
Dr. Stankeviciute: The formal invitation can be crucial. It signifies not just an endorsement from the party but also serves as an indication of the party’s internal dynamics. In Lithuanian politics, the power structures within parties can influence candidates’ decisions heavily. An official invitation can either empower candidates or create hesitation, particularly if the party isn’t presenting a united front.
Editor: And with the presidential election approaching in the spring of 2024, how do you see the current candidates positioning themselves in relation to public opinion?
Dr. Stankeviciute: The current polling clearly favors President Gitanas Nausėda, and candidates like Šimonytė and Vėgėlė are aware of this. Their strategies will likely involve aligning their platforms with public sentiment while distinguishing themselves in ways that resonate with voters. As we approach the primaries, candidates will have to fine-tune their messages based on the evolving political landscape to capture the electorate’s attention.
Editor: with other parties nominating candidates as well, such as Aurelijas Verygas from the Union of Lithuanian Peasants and Greens, how does this competition affect those within the ruling party?
Dr. Stankeviciute: The emergence of credible candidates from other parties adds pressure on the ruling group. It forces them not only to solidify their internal support but also to present a cohesive, attractive vision to voters. The competition could motivate party members to either step up their game or consider alternative paths within the political landscape, particularly if they feel overshadowed by external candidates.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Stankeviciute, for your insights into this evolving political scenario. We appreciate your time.
Dr. Stankeviciute: Thank you for having me. It’s an important time for Lithuanian politics, and I look forward to seeing how things unfold in the coming weeks.
